Lesley Pearse A life lived to the full

Lesley Pearse lives in Torquay and is a British novelist with global sales of over 10 million copies. She is easily, after Agatha Christie, the most successful writer to have lived in Torbay in the past two centuries. However, Lesley did not start her writing career until she was 48. Her life, which is described in her bestselling autobiography, ‘The Long and Winding Road’, is one rich with incidents, setbacks and joys – at least as incredible as anything found in her novels. By her mid-sixties Lesley was living in London, sharing flats, partying hard and married to a trumpet player in a jazz-rock band. She has also worked as a nanny and a Playboy bunny. Leslie describes herself as still a ‘party girl’ and we can’t wait to hear all about her incredible story.

Lesley will talk about her life, her publishing journey and her 32 bestselling novels. She will sign books at the end of the event, and if you would like to send questions for Lesley to answer on the day, please send in advance via email to [email protected]

For more information visit www.torbayliteraryfestival.co.uk

18:30-19:30 Friday 14 August 2026 (Main Stage) £15.00 (But £7.50 if booked before 1 August 2026)